- Chewing on ice: not only does it chip or crack teeth, but it can also irritate the soft tissues inside the teeth, leading to regular toothaches.
- Playing sports with no mouth guard: such as rugby, football, boxing, and hockey, without a mouth guard can be disastrous. Chipped teeth and even teeth being knocked out are often seen due to mouthguards not being worn. Custom-made guards offer the best protection and can be made by your dentist.
- Bedtime Bottles: It is best to avoid a baby getting used to falling asleep with a bottle, as bathing the teeth overnight in sugar leads to tooth decay very quickly.
- Tongue or lip piercings: can cause recession of the gums and damage to teeth; they can often be a haven for bacteria that lead to infection.
- Grinding: Often caused by stress, grinding can cause tooth wear and headaches. Wearing a nightguard will protect the teeth during grinding and can sometimes stop the habit altogether. Nightguards can be made by your dentist.
- Opening and Tearing Stuff with your teeth: bottle caps, plastic packaging, and sellotape are all common causes of chipped teeth and can be avoided by breaking this habit.
- Sports/Energy Drinks: It is very high in sugar and one of the biggest causes of tooth decay in teenagers today. Swap energy/sports drinks for diluted juice or water to avoid decay and erosion.
- Chewing on pens: another common cause of chipped teeth and tooth wear over time.
- Smoking: Not only is smoking bad for overall health and a cause of oral cancer, but it also leads to stained teeth, gum recession, loosening of teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
- Wine: Red wine can stain teeth, and white wine is very acidic and can lead to erosion.
Protecting your smile starts with breaking the habits that can silently sabotage your oral health. At Creative Smiles in Belfast, we offer expert guidance and personalised care to help you overcome damaging routines—whether it’s teeth grinding, sports without a mouthguard, or even those sneaky sugar habits. If you’re ready to take proactive steps toward stronger, healthier teeth, we’re here to help. Call us today on 028 9061 8545 or visit our clinic on Upper Dunmurry Lane to book your consultation. Let’s work together to keep your smile bright and your teeth protected for life.